Abuja – Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State told editors gathered at the All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja that ensuring credible elections in Nigeria is not the sole responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies; the media also plays a crucial role. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Uzodimma stressed that editorial integrity is central to electoral integrity because the media shapes public confidence in the electoral process.
“Editors often treat electoral integrity as someone else’s responsibility — INEC, the Executive, or Civil Society. But it is yours too,” he declared, urging journalists to take ownership of the democratic process.
The governor warned that false or tribal narratives in the media can damage democracy long before votes are cast. He called on editors to “protect electoral integrity through honest, verified, and balanced reporting.” Uzodimma also highlighted Nigeria’s growing trust deficit, noting that public faith in the media has slipped to 51%, lower than the trust levels afforded to NGOs and private businesses.
“Nigerians trust corporations seeking profit more than journalists seeking truth. This is an institutional crisis,” he said, pointing to the urgent need for the press to rebuild credibility.
The remarks come as the country prepares for upcoming elections, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of a free, fair, and transparent process. Governor Uzodimma’s appeal to the media underscores the broader call for all sectors to work together to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.
